Nowruz is the traditional Iranian(Persian) new year holiday celebrated by Iranian, Turkic and many other
peoples in West Asia, Central Asia, South Asia, Northwestern China, the Caucasus, the Crimea, and the
Balkans.

Noruz marks the first day of spring and the beginning of the Iranian year. It lasts for 13 days.
The word Nowruz is a compound of two Persian words, 'now' which means the English word 'new', and the
word 'ruz' which means both 'day' and 'time'. Nawruz is known as 'new year'.

Noruz is a time of great joy and family celebrations that are shared by people of all faiths
in many countries that trace their history back through the centuries to the ancient
Mesopotamian civilization and the Persian Empire.

In some countries, it is a traditional festival celebrated for 2 weeks. Nowruz is the beginning of
the year for the people in many of the countries. It is also celebrated as the
new year by people descended from Persian and Iranian ancestors.

On Nawruz people congratulate each other with words, Nowruz-e-tan Mubarak (happy Nawruz) or
Sal-e-Now-e-tan Mubarak (happy new year), shake hands and embrace each others.

Baklava is one of the important recipes for Nawruz. Sabzi Polo Mahi, traditional meal, a dish that
combines smoked fish, rice, herbs, parsley, coriander, chives, dill and fenugreek is served the day
before Noruz. Resteh Polo, a dish with rice and noodles, is served on Nowruz which is said to
symbolically help one succeed in life..